1. Description

2. Taxonomy

3. Distribution

4. Uses

5. References

Description

The Florida anise tree has large evergreen lance shaped leaves that are lustrous and dark green.^[2] When crushed the leaf has a sweet odor, described as being "anise-like".^[3] The leaf of this plant has a parallel main vein.^[4]{{unreliable source?|date=September 2018}} Within the leaf of this shrub, a flower also grows. The flower has 20 to 30 maroon-colored petals. The petals are typically {{convert|2|in|cm|0}} in diameter.^[5] The flower is attractive, and it is often overlooked within the lush shiny foliage. The flower has a fish-like odor. If the flower is ripe, the seed explodes out of the star-shaped fruit. This plant has a variety that can be produced in cultivation through selective breeding. Depending on the breeding, white flowers can be observed. When the flower of the Illicium floridanum plant is fully expanded, it is the size of a dollar.^[6]{{unreliable source?|date=September 2018}}{{clarify|What kind of dollar? A coin presumably, but which one? The cited reference is dated 1817-1821|date=September 2018}}

Taxonomy

The Illicium floridanum plant was first discovered in 1765 by the servant of a man named William Clifton, Esq. of West Florida. It was first observed growing in a swamp near Pensacola. In 1766, the king's botanist, John Bartram found the Illicium flordianum plant on the St. John River bank located in East Florida. He made a drawing of the plant, where he described the petals, leaves, and type of tree.^[7]

Distribution

This perennial plant is found in northern Florida and Georgia, as well as along the coastal plain toward Louisiana. The Illicium floridanum plant is endangered in Georgia.^[8] This plant species in those areas are known to be toxic.^[9] The Illicium floridanum shrub can be seen growing in wetlands, but can also be found in non-wetland areas. It grows in partial to fully shaded areas. However, it can survive in sunny areas, as long as it is being watered well. The soil for this plant should be moist, mulched and watered, especially during periods of dryness.^[10]

Uses

This plant should not be ingested, it is not considered an alternative to a culinary spice. However, there is a similar plant species to the Illicium floridanum; the Chinese plant known as Illicium verum,^[11]{{full citation needed|date=September 2018}} which is used for spices and medicine.

References

• Lincroft, NJ
• Lincrusta
• Lincrusta Walton
• Lincrusta-Walton
• Lincs
• Lincs FM
• LINCtape
• Lind
• Linda
• Linda Anne Eastman
• Linda Arkley
• Linda Asper
• Linda Barker
• Linda Barnes (writer)
• Linda B Buck
• Linda B. Buck
• Linda Bellingham
• Linda Bellos
• Linda Bird Johnson
• Linda Blair
• Linda Bove
• Linda Brava
• Linda Brown
• Linda B. Smith
• Linda Buck